The Washington Nationals continue their four-game series on the road Saturday against National League East rivals the Atlanta Braves.
On Thursday, the Braves beat the Nationals 4-2 to open the series and take back first place in the division by a half game over the Nationals. The loss by the Nationals snapped their six-game winning streak. Sean Newcomb performed well on the mound for Atlanta through seven innings to post his sixth consecutive win. Anthony Rendon had both RBIs for the Nationals with a first inning sacrifice fly and third inning single. Tanner Roark took the loss for the Nationals and is now 2-5 on the season. Rookie Ronald Acuna Jr. remains on the disabled list for the Braves.
Trea Turner leads the Nationals with a .268 batting average and team high 59 hits. Bryce Harper is the team leader in home runs with 18 and RBIs with 40. Washington has a team batting average of .240 while opposing hitters are averaging .219 at the plate against Nationals pitching. The Nationals will send Gio Gonzalez. The left-hander this season is 6-2 with an ERA of 2.10, 63 Ks and 28 BBs.
Freddie Freeman leads the Braves with a .335 batting average and team high 40 RBIs. Ozzie Alibies leads the team in home runs with 14. Atlanta has a team batting average of .264, while opposing hitters are averaging .237 at the plate against Braves pitching. Atlanta will send Brandon McCarthy to the mound on Saturday. The right-hander on the season is 5-2 with an ERA of 5.02, 45 Ks and 19 BBs.
